As the United States is a developed country, people from various countries have a dream to get settled in the United States. Hence, they enter the United States through their family members who are already Green Card holders or US citizens. Some people also enter the United States through a job offer that they get in America. They also enter the United States on some non-immigrant visas and tend to acquire permanent resident status through Adjustment of Status. Not all the people get a Green Card to reside permanently in the United States. But there are people who are lucky enough to become lawful permanent residents in the United States.
As a foreign national, if you become a lawful permanent resident of the United States, you will be given certain rights and responsibilities, as that of a native US citizen. If you become a lawful permanent resident in the United States, you must show your commitment and loyalty towards the American constitution. Hence, as a part of your lawful permanent resident status, you will be granted certain rights and privileges.
Though there are many benefits of being a Green Card holder there are certain restrictions, as well.
Rights
As a Green Card holder, you have the legal right to live in the United States, permanently, until you commit any action that will lead to your deportation, under the American immigration laws. You can also seek employment opportunities in America but certain employers do not hire any individual except American citizens. The other most important benefit that you may be entitled to, is the protection that you will get by the US laws.
Responsibilities
Once you become a lawful permanent resident of the United States, you will be required to show your loyalty and commitment towards the constitution of America. You must also abide by the state and local laws of the United States. You must file your income tax returns along with reporting your income to the Internal Revenue Service and state taxing authorities of the United States. If you are a male between the age of 18 and 25, you may be required to register yourself with the Selective Service.
On being a Green Card holder, you will be allowed to vote in the local and state elections, if a Green Card holder is allowed to vote, but cannot vote in the federal elections, as it requires US citizenship.
Benefits
A Green Card offers certain privileges to the holder. A lawful permanent resident of the United States, can move to any state in the United States and live there. You can also leave or enter the United States without the risk of denial of entry at a US immigration port of entry. A Green Card holder can also be entitled to the advantages of financial aid sponsored by the government to pursue education. You can lawfully own property and can start a new business in the United States. You may be eligible to join in select branches of the American armed forces.
You can sponsor your immediate relatives for permanent resident status in America.
You can become an American citizen, through Naturalization, if you stay in the United States permanently for a period of 5 years and satisfy all eligibility requirements for Naturalization.